Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner has made a surprising move by re-appointing Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach, effective immediately. The Italian world number one confirmed the decision on Wednesday, marking a reunion after their separation last year.
Sinner had previously parted ways with Ferrara, along with physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, following an investigation into Sinner's positive tests for the banned substance clostebol in March 2024. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined that the substance inadvertently entered Sinner's system due to an over-the-counter spray used by Naldi for a cut, leading to a three-month ban for Sinner, which he agreed to with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in February.
The decision to bring Ferrara back into the fold comes as Sinner prepares for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and the U.S. Open. A statement from Sinner's team emphasized the importance of continuity and performance at the highest level, noting Ferrara's significant role in Sinner's development. "Umberto has played an important role in Jannik's development to date, and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level,” the statement read.
Ferrara's initial stint with Sinner began in 2022 and lasted until August 2024, when the clostebol controversy led to their separation. During that time, Ferrara was credited with strengthening Sinner's physical structure through targeted training programs and injury prevention strategies. Even after his departure from Sinner's team, Ferrara remained in professional tennis, working with fellow Italian player Matteo Berrettini.
The reappointment of Ferrara follows Sinner's recent split with fitness coach Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio shortly before Wimbledon. Sinner had initially hired Panichi and Badio in Monaco after firing Naldi and Ferrara. While Sinner acknowledged their contributions, he offered little explanation for their departure.
Sinner's decision to reinstate Ferrara is particularly noteworthy, considering he had previously cited a lack of confidence as the reason for their initial separation. However, the need for a quick and reliable solution appears to have prompted Sinner to turn to a familiar and respected figure in the tennis world. Ferrara is highly regarded in Italian tennis, possessing extensive experience and training as a pharmacist.
Despite the controversy and team changes, Sinner has continued to achieve remarkable success. He secured his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier in 2024 and recently claimed the Wimbledon title, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Sinner had lost to Alcaraz in the French Open final prior to his Wimbledon victory. With Ferrara back on his team, Sinner aims to maintain his momentum and compete at the highest level in the upcoming hard-court season.
